What I Read: Spring

June 29, 2015

Now that we’re back from vacation, I feel like things are finally started to get back to normal. Unfortunately I didn’t read nearly as much as I wanted to while we were away; I guess riding across Kentucky and drinking bourbon will do that to you! Right now I have a Kindle full of half-read books, which means this list is significantly shorter than I imagined it would be. But any reading for pleasure is better than the zero books I had the time to read in college that weren’t on a syllabus, and I read some gems this spring!

The Awakening by Kate Chopin (★★★★★)
I seriously loved this novella! I don’t know if I was in a particularly feminist mood or if having been to New Orleans made a difference, but I feel in love with Chopin’s writing style, and I became truly engrossed in her portrayal of the time period. To read even more great things about The Awakening, my full review for book club.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (★★★★★)
When I included this one in my list of books to get anyone through a break up, I knew that I would have to read Anne of Green Gables again. It’s been years! Montgomery really brings Prince Edward Island to life through her descriptions of the scenery, and you can’t help but love the dramatic, albeit well-meaning Anne Shirley. Despite being about an orphan in a time that wasn’t too great for orphans, this book is lighthearted and fun, but I will warn you that the ending made me cry big fat tears on the bus home from work.

Paper Towns by John Green (★★★★☆)
I think I’m really going to love reading all of these John Green novels. He captures the teenage spirit so well, and I’m honestly amazed at his skill with expressing the thoughts and emotions of both male and female characters. I really enjoyed this novel, the character development, the whole idea behind “paper towns,” and all of the adolescent hijinks. If you’re into John Green (and who isn’t?), you’ll probably want to check out Sarah‘s Jane and John in June series.

Anne of Avonleaby L.M. Montgomery (★★★★☆)
Oh Lucy Maud Montgomery, how easily you take me back to a simpler time of schoolma’ams and doilies. The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about rereading the Anne novels is that they’re so focused on Anne, her relationships with men and women, and her growth as a human being. What I remember most from the television series is her budding romance with Gilbert Blythe, but he makes small appearances throughout as Anne’s friend-and-only-a-friend that I was surprised, disappointed, and then pleased. This book would definitely pass the Bechdel test!

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (★★★★☆)
Having only just finished this book, I feel like I’m still processing it. It honestly read more to me like a series of vignettes than a novel (perhaps similar to The Canterbury Tales?), but each new character and viewpoint was so well-written that I was captivated for roughly thirty hours of reading. If you’re looking for more concrete thoughts, read my full review for book club!

What was the best book that you read this spring? Mine was probably The Awakening, but I honestly enjoyed them all, so it’s hard to choose!

Recommended Reading

Hi, I’m Tyler — writer and heroine-in-the-making!
I want to help you find the inspiration to become
the strong, vibrant, unique heroine of your own story.
(While also keeping you in-the-know about my travels, writing tips, and everything Cincinnati!)